Hunter Safety Tips: Bow and Gun

 

When it comes to hunting, safety should be a priority above all others. From your gun's storage closet to the hunting fields and then back home, there are fundamental rules one should follow when it comes to weapon preparation and safety. This goes for both gun and bow hunting. When preparing for your day's hunt the guns you placed in your storage facility should be unloaded, and if they are not, it is a rule to follow from now on. Never leave guns loaded because mistakes happen and people forget. This is a rule for hunters at all experience levels.

 

Another safety tip is ensuring everyone you are hunting with has the proper firearm and hunting licenses before your hunt. Everyone should have the proper equipment and ammunition for the gun the will be using on their hunt. This includes proper bright clothing, so other hunters can identify you in the case which hunters cross paths. Equipment should also include, proper fitting eye and ear protection. When in the process of hunting, never fully trust the safety mechanism on the gun. This is usually a small black button that keeps the trigger from engaging into firing action. While the safety should always be used when the gun is not being fired, always make sure the barrel of the gun is pointed in a safe direction. This cannot be stressed enough. If the trigger is engaged and the gun does not fire, one should be particularly careful when attempting to spot the issue. If you or one of your hunting partners is using a certain firearm for the first time, make sure an experienced user shows and teaches them how to properly use the gun. Knowing the mechanisms for each firearm device before actually hunting use is another very important hunting safety tip that should not go unheeded. Finally, when the hunt is finished unload and properly repackage all ammo and tools.

 

Another important factor is know your area and know your targets. You should not be shooting in somebody’s backyard and if you are close to residents make sure you are in the legal hunting areas. If your gun needs servicing write yourself a note to drop it off a firearm store so it can be looked at and tuned up. Other basic hunting tips include bringing a cell phone and charger, and letting a third-party know where you are going. These are crucial tips in case of an emergency.

 

In regards to bow hunting many of the same rules apply concerning weapon mechanism knowledge and knowing your area. It is important to the the minimum distances in different areas, to recognize how far one must stand from the road to bow hunt legally. Always be well over those minimum distances. Moreover, in preparation, make sure all your broadheads are carefully sharpened before going out. Some areas require archery ethics courses, so be aware and investigate your areas’ regulations before going out. When it comes to tree stand hunting, make sure the tree you choose is safe and can hold you up. Ask for a second opinion if your not sure. Or if your not sure, just choose a different tree. Using a portable tree stand over a permanent tree stand can also help avoid the accident of using a weaker and weathered permanent tree stand, which may have been nails into the tree at an earlier time. If you are shooting at an animal, check the arrows you fire for blood, but wait 15-20 minutes after gauging the direction of the animal before actually tracking it. Using biodegradable paper also helps in the tracking process, so one does not get lost. Stand back from animals that may be dead or alive, use a long stick to determine this.

 

Finally, use common sense. If something doesn’t look or seem right while gun or bow hunting then ask for assistance, turn around or just stop what your doing. It is always better to be safe than sorry.